When an Expert Speaks, Pay Attention

I read a nice article on how videogames don't cause crimes, thanks to GamePolitics.com, about how videogames are just the latest in a long line of self-made "folk demons." The article presents, starting with the game Doom, a history of blame by politicians and media, and takes a very interesting stance that this problem is racist. In other words, if a white boy commits a crime, some sort of external influence, like GTA, made him do it. Yet a black boy of the same age is simply called a "criminal." I sent the author, Doctor of Sociology Karen Sternheimer (I got her name wrong in the email, as you can see), a little thank you:

Dear Ms. Berkheimer [sic]:

I just read your article in Contexts called "Do Games Kill?" I appreciate the very topically significant article. I joined the Entertainment Consumer Association to oppose the crazy media and political rants about how evil videogames are. Just before videogames were blamed for everything I remember a certain heavy- metal music style that was being blamed for mass-murder, murder, and suicides. Your expert, researched article has a whole lot more weight than the unscientific studies I've read about, and thank you for calling the fearmongers out on their political and commercial goals.

Sincerely,

Robert

She sent a nice "thank you" back. Hopefully, she's right.

Robert,

Thanks for the kind words. The article has been getting a lot of attention, so hopefully the sanity will spread.

Best,

Karen Sternheimer